36 RESEARCH
Fatty acids yield benefits in early lactation dairy cows New research from Michigan State University, USA, demonstrates significant improvements in cow productivity with specific fatty acid supplementation through early lactation
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he concept of feeding fat in dairy rations is nothing new – the energy-dense nutrient is hugely beneficial to meeting increased nutritional requirements as cows simultaneously produce milk while maintaining body condition ahead of breeding. Something that is new however is the developing science which continues to improve our knowledge on the roles of different fatty acids, the building blocks of fat, on animal performance. According to Dr Richard Kirkland, Global Technical Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, research
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findings present dairy producers with opportunities to target specific fatty acid blends according to requirements on individual farms. “Data indicate key roles for palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1) fatty acids at different stages of lactation and depending on requirements at farm level,” says Dr Kirkland. “C16:0 is very beneficial in improving milk fat production and yield, but it is now clear that this may be at the expense of body condition and weight loss in early lactation, the knock-on effects of which may include poor fertility.
In contrast, delivering C18:1 to the small intestine, achieved by supplementing with rumen-protected calcium salts, improves total fat digestibility and can enhance fertility throug him proved egg and embryo development. Unlike C16:0, C18:1 helps partition nutrients toward body fat stores, reducing body condition loss in the critical early lactation period.” The importance of C16:0 to C18:1 ratio In a recent study presented at the American Dairy Science Conference in June 2020, Professor Adam
JULY-SEPTEMBER 2020
